Lisa Bruder

Hi, I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, and clinical services. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with individuals navigating some of life’s most difficult moments, and I believe everyone deserves a safe, supportive space where they can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.

I have extensive experience supporting individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, emotional distress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and other behavioral health concerns. My background in crisis services has given me a deep appreciation for the ways life experiences can affect our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and sense of self.

I believe therapy is not about being told what to do or having someone fix you. It’s about working together to identify what matters to you, recognize patterns that may no longer be serving you, and build the confidence and skills to move forward. You bring your own experiences and strengths, and I bring clinical knowledge, experience, and a genuine commitment to helping you reach your goals.

You deserve to feel supported, understood, and hopeful about what comes next. I look forward to meeting you wherever you are in your journey.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that every person has strengths and the capacity for growth. I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of the process, and I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and understood.

My clinical background includes infant mental health, attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and other evidence-based approaches. I draw from these modalities to tailor therapy to your unique experiences, needs, and goals. I recognize how early relationships, life experiences, trauma, and current stressors can influence the way we think, feel, and relate to others.

I believe therapy should be more than talking about problems. It should also help you develop practical tools, strengthen relationships, build confidence, and create meaningful changes in your everyday life. Whether you're navigating anxiety, difficult life experiences, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, or feeling stuck, we'll work together to identify what is getting in the way and find a path forward that feels right for you.

You don't have to have everything figured out to begin. My goal is to meet you where you are, build on your strengths, and help you feel more empowered in your life and relationships.

I know that starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you aren't sure what to expect or where to begin. My goal is to make our first session feel comfortable, welcoming, and free of judgment. You don't need to have the right words, a clear goal, or everything figured out before we meet.

During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other, discussing what brought you to therapy, and exploring what you hope to get out of the experience. I'll ask questions to better understand your experiences, strengths, concerns, and what life looks like for you right now. We'll also talk about what has or hasn't been helpful in the past and what you need to feel supported.

I believe therapy is a partnership, so this is also your opportunity to get to know me, ask questions, and decide whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no pressure to share everything at once. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

By the end of our session, my hope is that you feel heard, understood, and more comfortable with the process. We'll begin identifying goals and discussing how we can work together to help you move toward the changes you want to see. Most importantly, you can expect to be met with compassion, honesty, and respect, exactly where you are.